Model 59

[tocohillsguy]

Following is a picture of my Dad's Model 59. Is this a stainless steel or nickel finish? The serial number is A54XXXX. Any idea when it was manufactured? Where can I find instructions for how to breakdown the gun? What is its approximate value? Any information is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[tocohillsguy]

Following is a picture of my Dad's Model 59. Is this a stainless steel or nickel finish? The serial number is A54XXXX. Any idea when it was manufactured? Where can I find instructions for how to breakdown the gun? What is its approximate value? Any information is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by tocohillsguy:
Following is a picture of my Dad's Model 59. Is this a stainless steel or nickel finish? The serial number is A54XXXX. Any idea when it was manufactured? Where can I find instructions for how to breakdown the gun? What is its approximate value? Any information is appreciated. Thanks.

Nickel finish. Take down is the same as the third generation autos. You can down load a manual from the S&W web site.

 

[john traveler]

The S&W MODEL 59 was an aluminum alloy frame with carbon steel slide, barrel, and action parts. That finish is bright nickle. The serial number puts it in the middle to late 1980's production compared to my M39 and M59 pistols made in the late 1970's.

Value is dependent on condition, as the M59 is a semi-collector's piece nowadays.

 

[oldrip57]

Your pistol was manufactured 1978-1979 era. Check here for a video of the field strip:
http://jerrythegeek.blogspot.com/2006/11/sw659-fieldstrip-video.html
or, in text:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4036
Value is subjective, of course, but I've bought two in the past year in the $300 (well-used) to $400 (almost new) range.
It's a good shooter that happens to fit my grip well. I like it.
By the way, the no-dash Model 59 was manufactured from c. 1971-1982. If it states simply "Model 59", it cannot be later than 1982. But, my estimate above comes from the S&W Standard Catalog.

 

[tocohillsguy]

The serial number is on the left side of the frame immediately under the slide. Below the serial number it says "Model 59". I recall shooting it with him while I was living at home, so it had to be 1978 or earlier, unless he subsequently replaced the pistol with a newer version.

 

[tocohillsguy]

Originally posted by tocohillsguy:
The serial number is on the left side of the frame immediately under the slide. Below the serial number it says "Model 59". I recall shooting it with him while I was living at home, so it had to be 1978 or earlier, unless he subsequently replaced the pistol with a newer version.

Okay, found the box. My memory must have failed me. The warranty card indicates that the pistol was purchased 4/17/80. The side of the box says the "FIN" is "B", but the top of the box has a sticker that says "Hard Chrome". Also found the box for the Pachmayr grips and two sets of stock grips. One set is wood and the other set is black plastic or hard rubber. Also found a warranty card for a Model 39-2 that was purchased 10/20/73 but was stolen 11/19/73. That must have pissed off the old man but good. Is it possible I recall shooting the Model 39-2 instead of the 59? Also, I now think the wood grips may be for the stolen 39-2. I have the serial number for the 39-2. What's the chance of finding it?